Presented by Atlassian
Many companies are approaching AI adoption incorrectly by focusing on individual use rather than how teams collaborate, explains Dr. Molly Sands, head of Atlassian’s Teamwork Lab, in a discussion at VB Transform 2026. Sands’ team of behavioral scientists studies how AI reshapes teamwork and assists organizations in redesigning their workflows.
Atlassian’s State of Teams Report, surveying 12,000 knowledge workers and Fortune 1000 executives, reveals a gap between AI activity and tangible value. While 89% of executives noted increased individual AI use, only 6% could identify clear ROI. In contrast, 14% of teams successfully turned AI usage into real value by focusing on context, workflows, and culture.
Successful teams create a “context graph” capturing shared goals and decisions, redesign entire workflows rather than speeding isolated tasks, and foster a culture of experimentation and learning. Sands encourages leaders to implement AI working agreements to align team AI use and avoid fragmented knowledge. Ultimately, AI exposes longstanding teamwork challenges, emphasizing the need for shared context and explicit workflows.
